We've had an uptick in fake check scams this year. One of them is someone claiming to be Shoppers' E View, so we get contacted frequently. They have a fake website set-up to collect people's information through "registration", so it is a fake check scam AND a phishing scam. We've reported them to their website host, but the website has yet to be taken down.
Here is the form letter that we send out for the scam. It has the website to report to the FTC in it along with some other resources.
Unfortunately, scams disguised as mystery shopping are out there. Shoppers' View wants to help you be on the lookout for these fraudulent offers. Here's what to look for to prevent becoming a victim of such scams and what you can do if you have already been victimized.
What mystery shopping scams look like:
• Emails/ads/letters/phone calls asking you to cash a money order/check, wire it back, and keep a large fee ($300-$1000) for yourself. Any company that sends you a check in the mail before you do an assignment for them is fraudulent. They will often state it is for a mystery shopping opportunity at Wal-Mart, MoneyGram, or Western Union.
o Shoppers' View only pays through PayPal to keep your account information private and secure. We do not issue checks or money orders.
• Emails/ads/letters/phone calls promising great deals and lucrative opportunities in mystery shopping but require a registration fee or subscription. Many times, these jobs do not exist, but if the job is legitimate, it can be found for free elsewhere. Real companies pay you to complete these projects, not the other way around.
o Shoppers' View never charges shoppers for job placements or mystery shopping information.
• These "companies" often use names that are similar to existing reputable companies.
o There is only one Shoppers' View. We are located in Ada, MI.
How to prevent becoming a victim:
• Never cash or deposit a money order/check that is issued before completion of an assignment or issued with an expectation to wire some or all of it back.
• Never pay anyone to mystery shop or for mystery shopping information.
• Research the company. Is it part of the MSPA [www.mspa-na.org/]? Are they listed with the Better Business Bureau [www.bbb.org]? Ask about it on [
www.mysteryshopforum.com].
• Sign up with legitimate companies. Find them at:
o www.prestomap.com
o [
www.mspa-na.org]
o www.jobslinger.com
What to can do if you are a victim or believe you have received a fake check with a "mystery shopping" offer:
• Contact your local (non-emergency) number for the police.
• Take the fraudulent check to your local post office.
• Report to the FTC at 877-382-4357 or [
www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov]
• File a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center www.ic3.gov
• If you are in Canada, report to the Canadian PhoneBusters at 888-495-8501.
If you gave any of your information through email, phone, text, or their website, please review the FTC's advice on what to do when you fall victim to a phishing attack:
• [
www.consumer.ftc.gov]
• [
www.identitytheft.gov].